With the recent passage of Article II, which emphasizes our commitment to “protect Earth and all beings from exploitation,” our mission has never been more relevant. We’re developing programming, including new discussion guides and educational materials, to help individuals and congregations explore the implications of Article II as it relates to these critical issues.

UUAM Chapters

One of our key initiatives is supporting local UUAM chapters within congregations as they work to deepen compassion and respect for wildlife, farmed animals, companion animals, and other beings with whom we share the planet. Our growing list of congregational chapters are free to pursue whichever aspect of these issues interest them. You may even have one of our 40+ established and emerging chapters already! We hold monthly online meetings with chapter leaders to facilitate cross-pollination of ideas and to share resources. We also offer grants to help chapters in their work, this year with a total of  $1,500 in funding available. If your congregation is interested in starting a chapter, see the blurb below to share in your newsletter.

Annual Sermon Contest

We are also excited to announce our 2024-25 Albert Schweitzer Sermon Contest. A $1,000 prize will be awarded to the best sermon exploring the implications of the new “Interdependence” value and covenant statement of the UUA bylaws’ Article II.  Detailed information on the contest can be found HERE. Please share this sermon contest with your ministerial staff, worship committee, and others who might be delivering talks to your congregation this year.

Pet Loss Support Group

Losing a beloved animal companion can be devastating, and we offer a Pet Loss Support Group for those who are suffering, led by our Chaplain, the Rev. Russell Elleven, DMin. This online group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00 pm Eastern. Please share this information to let people know of this source of comfort and support – a sample newsletter blurb is below.

Annual Celebration and Blessing of the Animals

We also invite everyone to join us for our annual online Celebration and Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 13. That’s this Sunday! This joyful event features inspiring speakers, readings, music, and more to celebrate the animals in our lives and in the wider world.  Past speakers include Dr. Jane Goodall; this year’s speaker is Dr. Sailesh Rao, who was designated a Climate Hero by The Guardian in 2023. All are welcome to attend and participate in this uplifting gathering.

Additional resources and programs

Throughout the year UUAM hosts online programming exploring a variety of issues. Recent topics have included programs on the centrality of love throughout species and the importance of pollinators and creating pollinator-friendly environments.  Upcoming programs include, “Getting Political for Animals” in November and “Writing Op-Eds for Animals” in January.  UUAM chapters can also host screenings of the winning films from the International Vegan Film Festival for free through our license.

How to Stay Connected

To stay updated on our programs and resources, we encourage you to subscribe to our monthly newsletter or follow us on social media. You can also visit our website at UUAM.org for more information.

Getting involved with, and supporting, UUAM

Many UUs are eager to connect with us once they learn about our work. Please share this information with your congregation by including it in your newsletters, orders of service, or on your bulletin boards. Please see sample text below that can be used to help you do so.

We ask your congregation to consider supporting UUAM financially through your “Share the Plate” program or other charitable initiatives. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to being good stewards of the funds entrusted to us by congregations and individual donors.

We look forward to serving as a resource for your congregation and its members. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact either of us.  We’re happy to help!

Sincerely,

Theresa Zingery, President
Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry

Rev. John Millspaugh, Executive Director
Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry

Attachment: Sample Text for Informing your Congregation of UUAM Resources

Sample text for use in your newsletter, weekly bulletin or bulletin board. You might consider putting them in/up one at a time/once a month or more regularly.

General UUAM information

Are you an animal lover? Did you know there’s a UU organization focused on issues related to animals?

UU Animal MInistry (UUAM) helps UUs live into our values in relation to animals by promoting compassion, justice, and respect for all beings. Stay connected with us through our newsletter, social media, or at UUAM.org to learn about our events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts. Whether it’s the annual Celebration and Blessing of the Animals or exploring how UU values call us to care for animals, you’ll find inspiring ways to take action nationally or by forming a local chapter. Join us and help create a more compassionate world for animals!

Blurb about chapter formation and grants

Would you like to help form a UU Animal Ministry Chapter in our congregation?

Are you passionate about animals and looking for ways to get involved at your UU congregation? Forming a UU Animal MInistry (UUAM) chapter is a great way to bring awareness to animal issues. Each chapter focuses on the animal-related issues that matter most to them. UUAM provides resources, monthly support meetings, and even grant opportunities to help chapters thrive. If you’re interested in starting a chapter or learning more, reach out to UUAM and let’s get started! Drop us a line at info@uuam.org.

Blurb about Celebration and Blessing of the Animals

Attend the Annual Celebration and Blessing of the Animals!

Join UU Animal MInistry for our Annual Celebration and Blessing of the Animals—an uplifting online event honoring the animals in our lives and the broader world. This joyful gathering will feature an inspiring speaker, beautiful readings, poetry, and music, all centered on our deep connection with animals. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 13, at 4 PM EDT and come celebrate with us in a spirit of love and reverence. All are welcome! Go to uuam.org for more details and to join the event.

Blurb about UUAM’s Pet Loss Support Group

Join Our Pet Loss Support Group

Losing a beloved pet can be heartbreaking, and it’s important to have a space to grieve and heal. UU Animal Ministry offers a compassionate Pet Loss Support Group, led by our Chaplain Rev. Russell Elleven, to provide comfort and understanding during this difficult time. Held online the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 pm EST, the group offers a safe space to share your feelings and connect with others who have experienced similar loss. Whether you’re dealing with a sick pet or mourning one who has passed, you don’t have to go through it alone. To join, contact Rev. Elleven at relleven@gmail.com for Zoom details.